Research

Nematology

    The research programme on nematodes is scaling down as Prof. A Malan is due to retire. The development of several potential biological control agents has resulted in private investment in developing the commercial production of entomopathogenic nematodes. Applied research on the mass production of EPN’s was completed. Negotiations are underway regarding the supply of the agents and the registration thereof.

    Both plant parasitic and entomopathogenic nematodes are being researched. The research on the integration of entomopathogenic fungi continued and is nearing completion. The completed research on entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi on mealybug and fruit weevils is an example of this.

    Expertise: Integrated Pest Management Group | Soil Health Workgroup

    Research team

    • Matthew Addison
    • Prof Antoinette Malan
    • Dr Nomakholwe Stokwe
    • Dr Rinus Knoetze
    • Mr Sonwabo Booi
    • Dr Annika Pienaar
    • Ms Caro Kapp
    • Mr Louis Fourie – MSc student
    • Mr Andriko Fourie– MSc student
    • Mr Murray Dunn – PhD student

    Projects list

    • No new projects.
    • Investigating the use of marigolds (Tagetes spp.) and brassicaceous cover crops as a tool for the management of lesion nematodes in apple orchards. Phase I - Pot trials (R Knoetze and L Fourie)
    • A survey to determine the occurrence, diversity and pathogenicity of Pratylenchus species in South African stone fruit orchards (R Knoetze)
    • Dorylaimid nematodes as a vector for stony pit virus in pear nurseries and orchards in South Africa (C Kapp)
    • The potential of organic soil amendments for the management of plant-parasitic nematodes and woolly apple aphid in apple orchards (N Stokwe and A Fourie)
    • Ring nematode (Criconemoides xenoplax) resistance of South African-bred rootstock selections in potted plant trials and high-pH soils (S Booi)
    • Evaluating the ability of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) for their ability to control populations of the obscure mealybug (Pseudococcus viburni) on apple foliage in field conditions (A Pienaar)
    • Control of the mealybug, Pseudococcus viburni, using entomopathogenic fungi in deciduous fruit orchards. (N Stokwe) [Abstract]
    • Mass culture and formulation of entomopathogenic nematodes for improved field application against key insect pests. (A Malan) [Abstract]
    • Hortgro Technical Symposium Day 3 – 8 June 2022
    • Hortgro Pome Fruit Research Showcase – 6 June 2023
    • Hortgro Stone Fruit Research Showcase – 7 June 2023
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